Another tragedy has struck Arizona’s firefighting community. Glenn Collins, a 46-year-old firefighter with Timber Mesa Fire and Medical District, was killed instantly Friday morning when a truck collided head-on with his motorcycle near Show Low. Authorities say the crash happened around 6:44 a.m. on Lone Pine Dam Road at milepost 7.5. Collins was riding to work when a 21-year-old driver crossed into his lane, striking him with devastating force. Despite immediate emergency response, Collins was pronounced dead at the scene.
Timber Mesa Fire and Medical District later confirmed Collins’ identity and officially recognized the tragedy as a Line of Duty Death, honoring the fact that he was on his way to serve when his life was cut short. Collins had dedicated the past seven years to the department, building a reputation as a committed firefighter, a loyal teammate, and a compassionate presence in the community he served.
His colleagues say his dedication to protecting others reflected not only in his professional duties but also in the way he lived his life.The heartbreak of Collins’ loss is compounded by recent tragedy: just weeks ago, two other members of the firefighting family died in an ambulance crash. The back-to-back losses have left the Timber Mesa district reeling, with leaders urging the public to grant them privacy as they grieve.
Still, tributes and condolences are pouring in from firehouses across the state, a testament to the deep brotherhood within the firefighting community.Collins leaves behind not only his department family but also his loved ones, who now face an unimaginable void. His death is a sobering reminder of the risks and sacrifices firefighters take daily—even beyond the fireline. The community remembers him as a hero whose service and sacrifice will not be forgotten.
